Bouquet Greetings

These cards use the beautiful "A Bunch of Love" Stamps (C1647) and corresponding Thin Cuts metal dies (Z3251) from Close to My Heart.

 Shin Han markers in R11 Carmine (Z2448), R140 Lt Orange (Z2455), YR24 Marigold (Z2457), GY234 Leaf Green (Z2454), G46 Vivid Green (Z2466) and BG61 Peacock Green (Z2461) colored the flowers and leaves.

The May Stamp of the Month "Celebrate With Cake" (retired) provided the sentiment and flowers for the inside of the anniversary card.  Shin Han marker colors used for the flower colors are listed above.

 

Other CTMH supplies:

White cards and envelopes 5 1/2"x 4 1/4" (X254)

Florentine Paper (retired)

Rose Gold Foil Tape (Z3218)

Watercolor Paints (Z3132) and brushes (Z3188)

Medium Round Waterbrush (Z3225)

Black (Z2105), Ruby (Z2170), Peacock (Z2649) and Ponderosa Pine (retired)

Bitty Sparkles (Z1263) 

Sparkle Asst, Brown and Tan (retired)

3D foam dots or squares are used to lift the stamps up from the card front for added interest.

As the card says, thanks a bunch for following along on these projects.  They demonstrate how some little changes can make very similar cards useful for a variety of occasions.  I love the look of these cards because they're so bright - just right for spring and summer, as well as cheerful for autumn and winter - any season.

If you have any questions or comments, please let me know - I love to hear from you!

Blessings,

 

Romans 8:38,39

More Winter Birthdays

Winter days are hard upon us - a good time for making lots of colorful cards to brighten up gloomy days.  Both of these cards are made using the Close To My Heart Artfully Sent Cartridge (Z3168).   

This first card is on p.25.  Other CTMH supplies used include:

Clear Sparkles (Z1752)
Free To Be Me Papers (retired)
Lagoon (X5762) and White Daisy (1385) Cardstock
Stamp - "4 My Friend" (retired)
Glitter Gel (retired)

For the cover, cut 2 of the base scene - one from the white and one from the colorful paper.  Cut 1/8-1/4" margins on all four sides (I used 3/8") of the colored paper to create interest.  Glue the two layers together, making sure to line up the cut sections and folds.  Cut the "Happy Birthday" Cake, line it up and glue it to the front of the card.  Embellish it with glitter, sparkles, and contrasting paper under the cake "layers".

The inside of the card is a simple greeting, offset to show only when the card is opened.

The second card is on p.7.  Other CTMH supplies used include:

Artfully Sent Stamp "Just To Say" (D1629)
Thistle (Z2640) and Lagoon (Z2195) Inks
Confetti Wishes Paper and Compliments (retired)
Glitter Gel (retired)
White Daisy Cardstock (1385)

Cut an extra cupcake out of a contrasting color using the "scene" layer (same layer as base card).  Use a small piece of scrap that covers the area of the cupcake.  Trace and trim the 1/2 that doesn't get cut on the Cricut.  Make sure the cupcake is placed on the front of the card to exactly cover the base cupcake.  OR - leave it the plain base color and fuggedaboud this step, hah!

Cut half the scene layer using a contrasting paper for the flip-side of the scene card, again using the scene base card.  You can cut the entire card, if you want, then slice off the half that won't be used or measure to cut just the front half.  Again, glue the two layers together, matching cuts and folds.  Embellish the cupcake to bring out the stars on the "icing".

Make the white card and stamp around the edges, alternating ink colors and sentiments, "Happy Birthday" and "It's Time To Celebrate".  Embellish by putting scrap paper in back of the cut out stars and compliments on the card.

 Here's the completed card, ready for our cute little grand-niece.  She'll have fun opening this.

Thanks for following along on these projects.  Enjoy them and let me know if you have questions or comments.  See you next month!

Blessings,

Luke 12:22-31

Winter Birthday

Happy New Year to everyone!  Here's hoping the holidays were filled with good things and good times spent making good memories.

This card was fun and easy to make.  I like it because it's perfect for a winter and holiday season birthday.  Which is exactly why it was a lovely card for our daughter!

Close To My Heart supplies used:

"Lovely Lily" Stamp - B1401 (retired) - front sentiment
"Joyful Birthday" Stamp - B1419 - inside sentiment
"Always Grateful" Stamp - C1559 - Trees
Ponderosa Pine Ink (retired - use Topiary Z2155 or New England Ivy Z2135)
Brown Glitter Paper (retired - use Gold Z3076 or Green Z1847)
Brown Opaques (retired, use Brown and Tan Sparkles Z1753)
Liquid Glass - Z679
Colonial White Cardstock - 1388
Colonial White Cards and Envelopes - X1410

Colonial white cardstock was cut at 4" x 5 1/4" and stamped with trees alternating 1st and 2nd generation stamping.  Another colonial white cardstock piece was stamped with the front sentiment and applied to the glitter paper with liquid glass.  It's important to use liquid glass when applying the cardstock to the glitter paper as many ordinary adhesives will not work.

Add sentiment to the inside of the card.  Embellish the front as desired (sounds like a recipe - "garnish for presentation", doesn't it?).  I used Brown Opaques, which are no longer available, so I suggest using Brown and Tan Sparkles, which come in assorted sizes, 108 to a package.

This card also works well as a plain note card, greeting card, thank you card or just about any other application.  I really like the tree motif.  If you have any questions about this project, send me a note.  Thanks for following along!

Here's to a wonderful year of crafting and making new friends.  See you next time!

Blessings,

Romans 8:28

A Jolly Holly Christmas - Act Three

Christmas approaches and we may have need for some last minute cards.  Here are the last three cards in the Close To My Heart White Pines collection I began presenting two posts ago.

Supplies used are listed here.
Edges of  some cards and pieces of cardstock used are inked with complimentary color.

Both the card above and the card below use zip strips to accent and add interest.  Using White Pines complements to create the scene is quick and easy!

The Colonial White cardstock shape on this card is cut with the Artistry cartridge -  Real Dial size, 3” Shape <h> Page 26.  Attach the acetate shapes to the card with liquid glass, which will dry clear.

Again, White Pines complements create the scene.  Use Fern Cardstock -4 ½" x 3" (cut Banner into one end) and Colonial White Cardstock –4" x 2 ¾" (cut Banner into one end) for the background to the scene.

I hope you've enjoyed seeing how these cards are put together.  If you have any questions about this project, please contact me.  Best wishes for pleasant holidays.

Blessings,

Isaiah 30:18

Holly Jolly Christmas Too

As promised, here's the second installment of Christmas greeting cards using the White Pines collection from CTMH.  Supplies used are listed here.

Edges of  some cards and pieces of cardstock used are inked with complimentary color to add interest.  

On this card, use Colonial White Cardstock –3” Shape<z> Page 31 to create background shape.  White Pines complements and red enamel gems create the scene.

This card uses Fern Cardstock –2 ¾ “ Shape <Elegant> page 46 and Colonial White Cardstock – 2 ½ ” Shape<Elegant> Page 46, with White Pines complements and red enamel gems.  Add a twine bow to one of the packages or along the side for more pizzazz!

Most of the shapes on this card are cut by hand, except the ornament - Colonial White Cardstock –1 ¾ Shape <0> page 10.  Adhere the Fern green twine with liquid glass.

The simplicity of this card is accented by the sentiment and White Pines complement flowers.  For the stamp, use Colonial White Cardstock – 2” Shape<6> Page 6.

Note - All cuts use Real Dial size and are from the new Artistry cartridge.

The final three cards will be presented in the next post.  If you have any questions about this project, please contact me.  Best wishes for pleasant holidays.

Blessings, 

 Hebrews 10:24

It's A Holly Jolly Christmas

My friend Gina is one of the most creative people I know.  She holds workshops all the time and provided the inspiration for these cards.  I'll be presenting 2 or 3 different cards for the next few blog posts.

Close To My Heart Supplies used:
Holly Jolly Christmas Stamp - D1657
White Pines Paper Packet  - Z7200B
White Pines Compliments - Z7200C
Fern Twine - Z3093
Red Enamel Gems - Z3090
Fern Ink - Z2650; Cranberry Ink - Z2116
Liquid Glass - Z679
Colonial White Cards and Envelopes - X1410
Colonial White Cardstock - 1388
Cricut Artistry Cartridge - Z3167
3D Foam Tape -  Z1151

Edges of  some cards and pieces of cardstock used are inked with complimentary color to add interest.  Use your imagination!  In the card above, the liquid glass comes in handy to glue on the clear plastic "holiday cheer" banner without leaving a visible residue after it dries.

This card uses a piece of Fern Cardstock cut at 1 ¼ ” (Real Dial) Shape <c> Page 33 of Artistry handbook.

Colonial White Cardstock is used on this card, Real Dial cut a 5” Shape <Christmas> Page 48 of Artistry handbook.  For added interest, emboss the cut with your favorite embossing folder.  This would also work with any of the large, solid color backgrounds.

Best wishes for pleasant holidays!

Blessings,

Phillippians 1:20-26

 

Heartstrings

 Heartstrings is the name of this terrific Workshop on the Go (WOTG) Cardmaking Kit (G1090) from Close To My Heart for Valentine's Day cards.  It makes 15 cards of 3 different styles.  Using the included stamps, the possibilities for variety and creativity are as unique as the person making the cards.

Paper pieces cut and ready to place

That's what I like about these kits. - while the underlying design is the same, changing a sentiment or ink color, adding distressed edges or embellishments; even using the opposite side of the paper than what is shown in the design can give each card a unique "look" for that special person.

Different ink colors, distressed edges and "flipping" the paper for unique looks on each card individualizes a "stock kit" idea here.

Different sentiments were used on these cards

The stamp set that comes with this kit has many different sentiments that can be used inside each card.  It's nice the sayings are versatile and "work" both as salutations and inside greetings.

There is still time to make some of these great cards for Valentine's Day.  While I was making these cards, I also thought they would make great cards for other occasions, using some different embellishments and sentiments.  Happy Valentine's Day!

Matthew 7:7

Summer Birthdays

Happy Birthday!

Summer birthdays are always fun.  this year I made cards for the grandchildren using my Cricut machine with "Tinkerbell and Friends" and "Cars" cartridge layers.  I made two of each card so I have a "spare".  Using my Gypsy to lay out the different layers, I was able to get many of them on to one 12"x12" Cricut cutting mat.

Ready to cut Tinkerbell layers!

Oops - can you tell which one is "cross-eyed"?

Love the little Teddy Bear!

The inside sentiment is CTMH "Teddy Bear Birthday" (A1143)

Happy summer time to everyone.  Hope you enjoy this project.  If you have any questions, drop me a note.


 
Matthew 7:1-12

A Box of Inspiration

Last week I went to a workshop hosted by Gina Brandstetter.  We made these great boxes and filled them with five different cards stamped with Bible inspirations from the "Look To The Light" collection (B1428).  Supplies needed:

Colonial White Cards and Envelopes (Value Pack - X1410)
Journaling Box (Z1953)
Ivy Lane Paper Pack (X7178B)
Ivy Lane Complements (X7178C)
Bitty Sparkles (Z1263)
Bamboo Ink (Z2103)
Smokey Plum Ink (Z2147)
Look To The Light Stamp (B1428)

Ivy Lane Complements (X7178C)

Ivy Lane Paper Pack (X7178B)

Look To The Light Stamp (B1428)

The measurements for folding paper to cover the journaling box are here. 

The cricut cuts are as follows:
"I CAN DO ALL THINGS...." - Ivy Lane Purple Cardstock - Artiste 2 1/2" Accent 1 <I LOVE YOU>
Bamboo Cardstock - Artiste  2 1/4" Accent 1 <I LOVE YOU>
"Come Unto Me......"   Art Philosophy - 1 1/4" <Shape3>

I don't have measurements for the papers on the cards or for the paper backing for the "flower" on the box.  When making new cards, I'll have to "wing it".

Pictures of the completed project:

Covered Journaling Box, to hold cards

"Come Unto Me All Who Labor"

"Cast Thy Burden Upon The Lord"

"I Can Do All Things Through Christ"

"God Is Our Refuge and Strength"

"Thy Word Is a Lamp Unto My Feet"

The Collection

This project was lots of fun.  Since all the paper pieces were pre-cut for us, the entire project took 2 hours.  When figuring out all the measurements and creating the pieces "from scratch" it will likely take double the time.  I have ordered all the supplies to make MORE of these great little boxes and fill them with cards - they will be terrific gifts!

Thanks for joining me on this project.  Enjoy Spring, create something wonderful every day!  Blessings, Adrienne